Tales from Sunset Days: Review of "Like it Is: Live at the Mesa Arts Center" by Yes

The recent passing of Chris Squire represents a sad turn of events in the story of Yes.  His inimitable bass and distinctive backup vocals were a signature element in the band’s mix.

The respectable performances that make up the “Like it Is” series do not capture the group at its glorious peak, but there may rewarding moments nonetheless.  Squire’s hypnotic bass and heavenly singing during “The Fish” still manage to send a shudder down my spine.  “Heart of the Sunrise” may not have the urgency and dynamic range it once had, but Steve Howe's limpid phrasing shines within the slower tempo.

In “Close to the Edge” Geoff Downes seems to be approximating Rick Wakeman during the climatic solo, but he acquits himself quite nicely on “Cans and Brahms” and also the scintillating finale to “South Side of the Sky.”

Jon Davison sounds fresh and involved throughout, an important element in this concert document of “Fragile” and “Close to the Edge” performed by a supernova of a group entering its twilight phase.  There are sparks and shimmers of greatness, mixed along with mere adequacy too.  But Squire’s thunderous bass and heavenly vocals generate more than enough lightning on this outing to make it all worthwhile.